Washington, D.C.– NOIA President Randall Luthi today issued the following statement applauding passage of the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act:

“The passage of the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act by the House of Representatives shows that promoting the safe development of home grown energy is an issue that can reach across party and state lines. The House and particularly Chairman Doc Hastings are to be congratulated on passing a measure that is a key part of our Nation’s ability to supply ‘all of the above energy’ and reduce our need for oil imports.

“Opening up more of our Outer Continental Shelf to energy exploration makes good sense and even better cents, adding thousands of domestic jobs and potentially billions of dollars in state and Federal revenues. In addition, government estimates show that these offshore areas could provide enough oil to power 65 million cars for 60 years and enough natural gas to heat 60 million homes for 160 years. Oil and natural gas, coupled with increased nontraditional offshore resources such as wind make the offshore region a vast energy frontier ready to be tapped for of the benefit of all.

“NOIA applauds the efforts of two amendments in particular. With adoption of the Rigell amendment on Atlantic seismic surveys, the bill encourages safe, science-based data collection on the size and location of potential offshore resources. With the Flores amendment curtailing implementation of ocean zoning, the bill eliminates unnecessary additional levels of bureaucratic oversight.

“As important as the passage of this bill is, America needs to continue to move forward in its quest for energy reliability and security. The Senate should take up and pass similar legislation this calendar year and give the President the opportunity to support a broad based energy policy that continues the trend away from reliance on foreign imports and towards more jobs, energy and economic security.”

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ABOUT NOIANOIA is the only national trade association representing all segments of the offshore industry with an interest in the exploration and production of both traditional and renewable energy resources on the nation’s outer continental shelf. NOIA’s mission is to secure reliable access and a fair regulatory and economic environment for the companies that develop the nation’s valuable offshore energy resources in an environmentally responsible manner. The NOIA membership comprises about 300 companies engaged in business activities ranging from producing to drilling, engineering to marine and air transport, offshore construction to equipment manufacture and supply, telecommunications to finance and insurance, and renewable energy.